Seattle mayor moves ahead on gun ban

November 10, 8:30 AMWashington Law ExaminerMichael Reitz

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Several months after Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels proposed a firearm ban on city property, the state Attorney General wrote that such an action is barred by state law. Cities are not permitted to adopt gun laws that are more restrictive than state law.

This legal opinion has not deterred Nickels from pursuing his gun ban, reports the Seattle P-I. The mayor plans to introduce an administrative order next month.

"The cities are the ones on the front lines of this issue," said Regina LaBelle, legal counsel to the mayor. "We always have to keep in mind not just state law but also federal laws. But our bottom line is that we want to have common-sense gun laws."

LaBelle said the city needs greater "clarity" on state law, either from the Legislature or through the courts. She said the Mayor's Office has found 39 other Washington cities that already have restrictions on the books, which shows the issue is far from settled.

The opinion followed the line thought to be enshrined in a 1961 law stating that local gun rules "inconsistent" with state law are "pre-empted and repealed."

LaBelle said the city is looking at only a single change. But she said city officials deserve the authority to protect citizens.

A public hearing will be scheduled for later this year.